Description
The Caladium, often called “Angel Wings” or “Elephant Ears,” is the ultimate “statement piece” for a shady Maltese courtyard or a bright indoor spot. These plants are grown specifically for their paper-thin, heart-shaped leaves that come in neon pinks, snowy whites, and deep greens, often looking more like a watercolor painting than a living plant.
💧 Watering
Caladiums love consistent moisture. The soil should feel like a wrung-out sponge, never soggy, but never bone-dry. During the heat of a Maltese summer, they may need watering every day or two if kept in a pot. If they dry out completely, the plant will think it’s time for its winter nap and go dormant prematurely.
☀️ Light
Unlike most of the “sun-worshippers” we’ve discussed, Caladiums prefer filtered light or partial shade. Direct Maltese afternoon sun will scorch their delicate, thin leaves within hours. Indoors, they need a very bright room but should be kept away from the direct glare of a window.
🍃 Foliage / Growth
These are tuberous perennials. They grow rapidly from spring to autumn, creating a lush mound of colorful foliage. Note for your shop: Caladiums go dormant in the winter. As temperatures drop in Malta (usually around late November), the leaves will yellow and die back. This is normal! You simply stop watering and store the tuber in a dry spot until spring.
🪴 Potting Mix
They prefer a rich, slightly acidic, and well-draining potting soil. A mix of peat (or coco coir) and perlite is perfect. They like a “fluffy” soil that stays moist but lets the tubers breathe.
🌿 Fertilizer
Since they are grown for their leaves, they appreciate a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during the growing season. This ensures the colors remain vibrant and the leaves grow large.
🐕🐈 Pet Safety
Caladiums are toxic to dogs and cats. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which cause immediate mouth irritation, drooling, and swelling if chewed. Keep these on high shelves or in areas where pets don’t roam.
🌬️ Air Purifying
While their thin leaves aren’t the heavy-lifters that a Ficus or a Snake Plant might be, they do increase local humidity through transpiration, which can help make indoor air feel less “stale” during the dry summer months.
*Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.
The Price is per one individual plant.
